Persian Gulf companies form production alliance

A trio of top production companies in the Persian Gulf has formed an alliance in a bid to boost the film and TV industries in the region.

Image Nation Abu Dhabi, VOX Cinemas owner Majid Al Futtaim and MBC Studios will support selected TV and film projects throughout their entire production processes to eventual exhibition.

The focus will be on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

“The partnership in my opinion is the most important last step in building a sustainable industry in the region,” said Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation, in a statement.

“Up until now, this has been a real challenge but to have the most important broadcaster and the most important theatrical exhibitor in the region joining forces to provide local filmmakers the opportunity to realise their potential - it’s huge.

“It’s an industry that’s had the talent but not the resources. The partnership also provides a structure that has lacked up until now. Great content is irrelevant if nobody sees it, so having the two best distribution partners to ensure what gets created gets seen is really critical.”

The new alliance could also help boost the broader crew pool throughout the Middle East, which in turn could encourage more international productions to shoot in the region.

Abu Dhabi is the Middle East’s main production hub, due in part to its filming incentive support.

Saudi Arabia launched a 35% cash rebate as its first filming incentive this time last year in a bid to broaden its own global appeal as a production location.

Images: iStock.com/Anzeletti/Naes